University vs College

RE: University vs College

rgreeny — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 19:10:10 GMT

I started my training as a degree student and due to my mental health had to take a year out from studying. During this year I worked as a non registered nurse full time in practice and absolutely loved it. When I was due to go back to University I decided the debt wasn't worth it and so I transferred onto the diploma course. It was the best decision I ever made.

Whether you do the degree or diploma is a personal choice; what learning style suits you, can you afford it, can you find a placement? The list goes on.

We all earn the same salary and nobody treats a degree educated RVN differently to a diploma RVN. Yes, if you want to leave veterinary or change your role you will most likely have more opportunities having a degree behind your name. However there are options for diploma nurses to top up their qualification to a degree now, which is brilliant.

One last thing, not all VN degrees are equal, if you are thinking of studying at University do your research on the individual University and their course. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions! X

RE: University vs College

Alison Clare Hickman — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 07:46:28 GMT

So it boils down really to 2 major decisions

1. Where can I train (which really dictates the educational pathway)

2. Whatever qualifications you gain you will be doing the same job as diploma and degree RVN's. Which route will wholly meet, or possibly frustrate or limit your career expectations?

So, for me (as James says) it's a case of patience to find a diploma practice (difficult these days) and spend less. Or start a degree (and spend more). With, and this is important, the same wage either way once you have qualified and with (initially) the same career experience and expectations (unless studying further).

Good luck for the future in whichever route you choose.

(Diploma, me, and never has my pocket, career experience and expectations to remain in nursing been more grateful). Although I am now extremely part time due to family commitments.

RE: University vs College

James Colver Cert. Ed, RVN — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 22:52:01 GMT

Neither is better than the other. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Hard to find a placement to put you through college for the diploma, but the degree costs a fortune. Diploma you are bringing a wage in, degree you are paying out and getting into debt. Degree better prospects perhaps in terms of further qualifications. At the end of the day we all do the same job when we qualify anyway. Most of the nurses I know who went the degree route did so after not being able to find a practice to put them through college.